T5 or VHO actinic, which gives better color to sps

[t4zalews]

I currently run 2x39w T5 actinics on my sps tank with a couple 250w radiums. I've been contemplating getting a VHO for my actinics to give the corals more color. I'd only use one and put it in the front.

I understand VHO's draw more energy, I'm alright with that. I'm not worried about PAR or light output with concerns to my actinics..I just want the best actinic lighting for best coloration of my corals. I'd run the blue actinics (460) over the read actinics (420).

Would I notice any color difference if I made the switch? Thanks

 

[PSU REEFER]

I think VHO's are the best for "pop"

 

[t4zalews]

bump

 

[kirstenk]

I run VHO Actinics over my tank and get color depth that I don't see others have. SPS are very rich looking vs. the pastel look they may have in another tank. Trying a combo would be nice.

ps....I also run MH Radiums currently

 

[silentscream]

I currently run 2x39w T5 actinics on my sps tank with a couple 250w radiums. I've been contemplating getting a VHO for my actinics to give the corals more color. I'd only use one and put it in the front.

I understand VHO's draw more energy, I'm alright with that. I'm not worried about PAR or light output with concerns to my actinics..I just want the best actinic lighting for best coloration of my corals. I'd run the blue actinics (460) over the read actinics (420).

Would I notice any color difference if I made the switch? Thanks

To clarify, are you thinking of adding a single VHO bulb to your existing T5 actinics, or would you be replacing the T5's with a single VHO bulb?

I agree that VHO's produce a fluorescent affect that I've not seen T5's to match, but I would question whether a single VHO bulb could cut through the T5's to make a difference.

 

[t4zalews]

To clarify, are you thinking of adding a single VHO bulb to your existing T5 actinics, or would you be replacing the T5's with a single VHO bulb?

I agree that VHO's produce a fluorescent affect that I've not seen T5's to match, but I would question whether a single VHO bulb could cut through the T5's to make a difference.

I'd be replacing the T5's

 

[blakers82]

Tough call replacing the 2 T5s for 1 VHO. Probably not be worth the effort unless you are really curious. IME having run both, I think you can't beat VHO for actinic. I also run Radiums and actually took my pure actinic T5s out and replaced with an actinic+ and an Aquablue+. I wasn't getting good color from my reds and felt I'd try upping the par on my deeper tank. I've also had a "blue" tank for awhile so i'm brightening things up. We'll see how the corals react. I'm snagging a par meter this weekend.

OK. Back on topic

 

[jbanks]

If you want some really crazy antinic pop... just get a simple blue LED Strip.. I have never seen flourescent pop like that before

 

[Pallobi]

If you want some really crazy antinic pop... just get a simple blue LED Strip.. I have never seen flourescent pop like that before

Agreed...

 

[t4zalews]

What kind of strip would you recommend? I've looked at them before but never really could figure out what woudl be good..i was thinking the finnex one

 

[jbanks]

I like Reef Brite leds.. You can choose from the standard Reef Brite with all blue LEDs or the smaller Reefbrite XHO strip that actually has more LEds per inch than the standard Reefbrite.. The XHO is also black in color, where the standard unit is silver. Check them out on Premium Aquatics.